New Details In Killing Of Well-Known Detroit Jewish Leader

DETROIT — Police released more details Monday afternoon related to Saturday's brutal stabbing death of Samantha Woll, who was a well-known Detroit synagogue president.

Officers found Woll, 40, dead from multiple stab wounds early Saturday morning outside her home in the 1300 block of Joliet Place, a neighborhood just east of downtown.

Detroit Police Chief James White said officers then followed a "trail of blood" that led detectives to Woll’s home, where investigators believe she was attacked, before she stumbled outside and collapsed where her body was found.

White said officers found her body at roughly 6:30 a.m. Saturday morning, hours after she left a wedding around 12:30 a.m. He would not confirm whether Woll left the wedding alone.

White said there was no sign of forced entry to Woll’s home, or any defensive wounds on Woll. He did not say how many times Woll was stabbed before she died, indicating some details could harm the investigation.

"There are some facts that are known only to our suspect, so I can't get into causation right now or what he or she may feel was that, but more to come on that at a later date," White said.

White reiterated investigators do not believe antisemitism played a role in the killing. He also said police don't believe any other groups or people are at risk.

"We believe the motivation was very different than a hate crime," White said. "It's horrific, it's tragic."

White said the department has detained multiple people as "persons of interest," but that no one has been arrested in connection to the killing, though police are close to calling one of the people a suspect.

An autopsy has been completed, but White did not discuss any details. Additionally, White said investigators are working on locating video evidence from nearby doorbell cameras, as well as other surveillance in the area that could help them find possible vehicles the suspect may have used.

Woll was well known in the Detroit community and served as the board president of the Isaac Agree Downtown Detroit Synagogue in Downtown Detroit.

"We are shocked and saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Samantha Woll, our Board President," the Synagogue said in a statement posted to Facebook. "At this point we do not have more information, but will share more when it becomes available. May her memory be a blessing."

White added the FBI and Michigan State Police are assisting in the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Detroit Police Department at 313-596-2260.